Armies Around the World That Allow Women to Wear Hijabs
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 Sep 2024
· Armies Around the World That Allow Women to Wear Hijabs
· Saudi Arabia to Establish First Women's Mining Association
· Actor Meryl Streep Shows Solidarity at UN with Afghan Women, Girls
· Digital Violence Stalks Women in Northwestern Syria
· Bangladesh Allows Women Soldiers to Wear Hijab
· 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars: Asha Amani, GM UAE Based INTERAFCON
· Taliban Restrictions On Women Jeopardise Afghanistan's Fight Against Polio: Report
· HEC Paris in Qatar Launches New Program to Empower Women Leaders
· Africa Observes Pan African Women’s Day
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/armies-world-hijab/d/133274
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Armies Around the World That Allow Women to Wear Hijabs
File image of Iqra Shahzadi, an officer in the British army. Photo: Collected
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24 Sep 2024,
In recent years, military organizations around the globe have made strides toward inclusivity and diversity, allowing women soldiers of different faiths to serve without compromising their cultural and religious beliefs. One of the most notable symbols of this shift is the increasing acceptance of hijabs or headscarves as part of military uniforms, signalling a growing recognition of the importance of personal faith within the ranks.
Women in the Bangladesh Army can now wear hijabs with their uniforms if they choose to, as announced in an office order from the adjutant general’s office.
Previously, wearing hijabs, traditional headscarves covering the head and shoulders, was not permitted with the uniform.
The AG’s office also said a policy was being formulated for hijab-wearing.
With this, the Bangladesh Army becomes one of the several worldwide to make space for religious attire.
Here are some other countries that allow this:
Canada
In 1996, Canada became one of the first Western nations to allow female service members to wear the hijab as part of their standard military uniform.
US
The US Army formally changed its policy in 2017 to allow religious headwear, including hijabs, as long as they are “neat and conservative.”
UK
It is unclear when the UK military first allowed women to wear hijabs while on duty, but its guidelines say it is allowed subject to safety and operational considerations.
Turkey
Turkey in 2017 for the first time allowed women members of its armed forces to wear headscarves while on duty as part of their uniform.
South Africa
The South African military in 2021 amended its dress policy to allow Muslim women to wear headscarves as part of their uniform.
The previous year, a military court dropped charges against an officer who had been indicted for wearing a hijab under her military beret.
Source: dhakatribune.com
https://www.dhakatribune.com/around-the-web/359504/armies-around-the-world-that-allow-women-to-wear
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Saudi Arabia to Establish First Women's Mining Association
Rana Zamai, Head of the Committee of Women in Mining Saudi Arabia at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources,
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24 September 2024
The mining sector in Saudi Arabia has made remarkable strides since 1997, when the Kingdom first developed a strategy for the industry. However, the sector underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy.
Given the wealth of natural resources in Saudi Arabia’s mineral sector, efforts have been focused on expanding job opportunities while fostering an environment that encourages women's participation. In line with this vision, Saudi Arabia plans to establish its first dedicated Women in Mining Association.
Rana Zamai, Chair of the Women’s Empowerment Committee in Mining at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, revealed that the committee is currently laying the groundwork for the association. The new body will operate under the supervision of the ministry and in compliance with regulations set by the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Zamai emphasized that the association will function as an independent, non-profit entity aimed at empowering Saudi women in the mining sector, enhancing their roles in decision-making, and creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
The association’s focus will be on empowering women across the Kingdom, including those in remote areas near mining sites. By connecting women to private sector projects supported by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the association aims to create sustainable income opportunities for women in these regions, she underlined.
Increasing awareness
Zamai explained that the new association will build on the work of the committee, but with greater authority and resources. This will include securing sponsorships and forging partnerships with both private and public sectors.
One of the committee’s primary initiatives is implementing an agreement signed between the ministry and the Women in Mining initiative in the UK.
Zamai emphasized that the new organization will play a crucial role in the Saudi mining sector's future. The committee also focuses on sustainability and creating new opportunities for women, encouraging them to share their experiences and raise awareness of the diverse roles available in the industry.
The mining sector is not limited to traditional extraction roles; it offers a wide variety of opportunities, supported by advancements in technology.
Zamai highlighted that the committee’s framework mirrors similar organizations in countries such as the UK, Australia, Central America, and South Africa. These international initiatives bring women together under a unified umbrella to share their successes and experiences in a relatively new and evolving industry.
She also noted that Saudi Arabia remains rich in untapped mineral resources, ready for discovery and development.
Committee structure and roles
The Women’s Empowerment Committee in Mining consists of six carefully selected members, each with expertise in various fields, including executive management, entrepreneurship in mining with private companies, human resource development, mining supervision, and regulatory systems to prevent violations at remote mining sites.
Reflecting the broader progress in women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia, Zamai announced that the King Abdulaziz University’s Faculty of Earth Sciences in Jeddah has, for the first time, admitted 22 female students in 2024. This milestone represents a significant turning point for Saudi women in geology and mining, opening new career paths in a crucial industry.
Zamai stressed the importance of connecting theoretical knowledge with hands-on field experience. She emphasized the need for geology and mining engineering graduates to become familiar with the latest technologies, safety policies, and the social and cultural diversity of local communities.
Additionally, Zamai underlined the importance of collaboration between men and women to ensure progress and continuity in the mining sector.
Infrastructure development
In her role as Senior Director of Corporate Communication and Knowledge and Editor-in-Chief of Ardhona, the scientific journal of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), Zamai highlighted that the SGS is actively working on developing the infrastructure for the mining sector.
The SGS manages and maintains geological data, serving as a repository for all survey and exploration information.
She also pointed out that women are increasingly holding leadership roles in critical areas such as geological mapping, sample analysis, and cybersecurity, where they protect sensitive geological and mining data.
Saudi Arabia recently announced the discovery of mineral resources with an estimated value exceeding SAR 9.3 trillion ($2.5 trillion), a significant increase from earlier estimates in 2016, which valued the resources at SAR 5 trillion ($1.3 trillion)—reflecting a near 90% rise.
Source: aawsat.com
https://english.aawsat.com/business/5064124-saudi-arabia-establish-first-womens-mining-association
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Actor Meryl Streep shows solidarity at UN with Afghan women, girls
By Michelle Nichols
September 24, 2024
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - A female cat has more freedom in Afghanistan than a woman does, Hollywood actor Meryl Streep said at the United Nations on Monday in a bid to get world leaders to focus on the plight of Afghan women and girls.
"The way that ... this society has been upended is a cautionary tale for the rest of the world," Streep told an event on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly to encourage the inclusion of women in the future of Afghanistan.
The Taliban seized power in August 2021 when U.S.-led forces withdrew after 20 years of war. The U.N. has sought a unified global approach to dealing with the Taliban, who have cracked down on women's rights.
Most girls have been barred from high school and women from universities by the Taliban. The group has closed beauty salons and curtailed travel for women without a male guardian.
"Today in Kabul a female cat has more freedoms than a woman. A cat may go sit on her front stoop and feel the sun on her face. She may chase a squirrel into the park. A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today, because the public parks have been closed to women and girls," Streep said.
"A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not and a woman may not in public. This is extraordinary," she said.
The Taliban say they respect rights in line with their interpretation of Islamic law. The group formally codified a long set of rules governing morality last month that were based on a decree by the Taliban's supreme spiritual leader in 2022 and will be enforced by the morality ministry.
"Without educated women, without women in employment, including in leadership roles, and without recognizing the rights and freedoms of one-half of its population, Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the event.
Source: reuters.com
https://www.reuters.com/world/actor-meryl-streep-shows-solidarity-un-with-afghan-women-girls-2024-09-23/
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Digital Violence Stalks Women In Northwestern Syria
By Tamara Musa, (Sawtna Training Program)
23 September 2024
IDLIB — Susan Abdulrahman (a pseudonym), had little choice. Last year, she was forced to hand over gold jewellery and money to a man who was blackmailing her with the threat of posting fabricated “immodest” photos and videos on social media.
Abdulrahman, a 27-year-old living in a displacement camp in Idlib province, fell victim to digital violence—online extortion, intimidation and harassment—that is rampant in Syria’s opposition-controlled northwest, with women particularly vulnerable.
A recent survey of 115 women in the southern Idlib countryside town of Hass by the local Women’s Empowerment Office found that 53 percent reported facing some form of digital violence. Of them, 74 percent did not know the identity of the perpetrator.
Digital violence is “any act of violence that is committed, assisted or aggravated by the use of information and communication technology (mobile phones, the internet, social media, computer games, text messaging, email, etc) against a woman because she is a woman,” according to UN Women. This can include cyberbullying, sending explicit messages without consent and doxing—publicizing personal information without consent.
Abdulrahman’s story began in mid-2022, when she was contacted online by a young man who said he was looking for marriage. After the two began talking, “he asked to meet to get to know each other, expressing his interest in marriage,” she told Syria Direct. “I agreed, because I was looking for a life partner, too.”
The pair met repeatedly without the knowledge of their parents, with the intention of planning for marriage. But the man “was always putting it off, with the excuse of finishing his business project to finance the marriage,” she said. Over time, “he asked for money, saying it was so the project wouldn’t fail. I gave him gold bracelets and cash, but he kept stalling,” she added. Finally, she refused to meet with him again.
“He threatened to publish fabricated photos and videos of me unless I agreed to meet him, so I agreed out of fear of disgrace” in front of her family and community, as their meetings went against the community’s customs and traditions, Abdulrahman said. He began to exploit her, demanding more money and threatening “again to publish photos.”
Seven months ago, Abdulrahman sought help from a lawyer who specializes in cases of violence against women. The lawyer sent a voice recording “to him from my phone, threatening to press charges if he did not stop the threats,” she said.
At first, the man feigned indifference, then told her he had left the country. Abdulrahman changed her phone number and created a new Facebook account, ending the “communication problem,” but her money and jewelry was lost.
Unsupportive climate
When the young man stopped blackmailing Abdulrahman, she put the story behind her. Pressing charges against him in the hopes of recovering her money would mean revealing the meetings between them, which she fears.
Syrian women facing digital violence often prefer to deal with it in silence, due to a lack of community support or laws to protect them, and because violence against women is a deep-rooted issue for cultural, social and legislative reasons.
Digital violence is on the rise in northwestern Syria for several reasons, most importantly “poverty and a lack of livelihoods, which makes it easier for the aggressor to blackmail the victim,” Nusra al-Araj, the head of the legal office at the Women Empowerment Office in Hass told Syria Direct. “A lack of laws criminalizing digital violence [also] encourages aggressors to continue their crimes, without fear of punishment.”
In northwestern Syria, where more than half of the population of four million are internally displaced, women—especially those who have lost their breadwinner—clutch at “any hope or opportunity they encounter online, so they fall prey to digital violence,” Raja Salim, a journalist and International Center for Journalism (ICFJ)-certified trainer in combating disinformation, said.
Most cases of digital violence Salim has encountered are “women who responded to job postings and ended up getting involved in conversations with scammers, who exploited this contact to blackmail and threaten them with posting the conversations or fabricating photos of them and sharing them in Facebook groups specific to their areas,” she said.
Scammers use various methods to exploit and blackmail women, including “using misleading information to lure a person into communication, by offering a fake job or travel opportunity, sending malicious links and files to steal information and accounts, fabricating photos or contacting individuals anonymously while impersonating someone else,” Salim said.
She recalled the case of one woman who was forced to sell her gold jewelry and borrow money from relatives to pay a man who was blackmailing her so he would “not post a conversation between them and cause a scandal for her in the town,” Salim said. The woman “did not participate in any inappropriate conversation, but her community may consider her guilty simply for communicating with a stranger,” she added.
One year ago, an unknown individual hacked Sumaya al-Babi’s (a pseudonym) Facebook account by sending a link from a fake account under her brother’s name. When the 24-year-old clicked on it, he gained access to her private information and photos, then threatened to publish them if she did not meet with him, she told Syria Direct.
Al-Babi was forced to give in to his request, but this led to a spiral of “constant threats,” because the young man took photos and videos of her when she met with him over a period of around three months.
During that time, al-Babi attended a training discussing violence against women at a women’s center in her area. After it was over, she approached the trainer and told her about her situation. The latter contacted the young man’s mother to put pressure on him, threatening to file a case against him if he did not stop, al-Babi said.
The young man was not punished for what he did, but al-Babi still felt it was a victory, and that she escaped with the least possible damages. Despite the threat, she did not have the “boldness to file a case, for fear of the scandal,” she said.
Even if al-Babi and other women facing digital abuse file complaints against those blackmailing them, they have little recourse in the absence of laws criminalizing digital violence in northern Syria, al-Araj said.
In northern Aleppo, controlled by the opposition Syrian National Army (SNA), Syrian Interim Government (SIG) adopt Syrian regime law “on the surface, without implementing all its provisions,” al-Araj said. Areas such as Idlib, controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have no laws related to digital violence, as “the judge is a sheikh, and he bases his ruling on Islamic sharia and his own interpretation of the text.”
Even in regime areas, the law is not a significant deterrent for perpetrators. Cybercrime Law No. 20 of 2022 punishes anyone who uses information technology to publish private information without consent, even if true, with imprisonment of one month to six months and a fine of between 500,000 and 1 million Syrian pounds (between $34 and $68 at the current black market exchange rate of SYP 14,650 to the dollar).
If a victim wishes to press charges, she must hire a lawyer and “provide evidence, ensuring she is not implicated with him in any meeting or sharing her pictures, as any picture provided by the victim may incriminate the woman,” al-Araj said. She echoed what several women told Syria Direct, that victims often refrain from filing complaints “for fear of scandal,” often “threatening the aggressor with legal action to intimidate him with the [threat of a ] scandal as well.”
As an alternative way to confront this violence, initiatives have spread to protect women and raise awareness of online risks. One, SalamaTech, seeks to promote safe digital citizenship online and educate Syrians about best practices and tools needed to use the internet safely and effectively. The team has set up a contact mechanism on its website for women who have experienced digital violence to get in touch in a “safe and confidential” manner.
Devastating repercussions
Digital violence, and the exploitation and blackmail that accompanies it, takes a devastating mental, social and economic toll on victims, psychological expert Nisreen al-Batal told Syria Direct. She linked this form of violence against women to “worsening gender-based violence in our Middle Eastern societies.” Victims also often are not able to protect themselves because they do not have a good understanding of technology compared to perpetrators.
Globally, women are 27 times more likely to be abused online than men, according to UN Women.
The psychological impacts of digital violence—feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and loss of self-confidence—are the most dangerous for women, al-Batal said. “Some have died by suicide” to escape social repercussions, she added.
Victims feel “stigmatized and ostracized by society,” leading some to “leave their homes or families,” while others “lose their jobs or livelihoods because of blackmail,” al-Batal added.
Sara Maryamini (a pseudonym), is among those who lost their jobs due to digital violence. She was in a romantic relationship with a man who worked at the same company, and who had personal pictures of her. When she ended the relationship, he “posted the pictures in the work team’s WhatsApp group, which included all our colleagues,” she told Syria Direct. She quit her job as a result.
Maryamini’s relationship with her colleague was intended to lead to marriage, but she discovered he was considering marrying another woman. When she confronted him, he called her a “whore, and dishonorable,” she said. “I was meeting him surreptitiously, and we exchanged feelings of love,” but nothing more, she said.
Aisha al-Abdullah (a pseudonym) fell into an extortion trap while looking for a job to support herself and her three children, as she is a widow. The 35-year-old applied for a job at a startup, and received a call from a person claiming to be its director. He requested a video interview over Zoom, during which he refused to turn on his camera while asking her to appear.
The first online meeting ended with the supposed manager promising to hire al-Abdullah for an administrative position and provide decent housing for her and her children. In other communications, he promised paid travel to Turkey. He also proposed to marry her, provided she stayed in touch with him, she told Syria Direct.
During their communication, al-Abdullah sent a picture of her identification documents to the individual, as well as personal photos, to complete the hiring process at his request. When he stalled and did not follow through on his promises, she cut off contact. He then threatened to “fabricate pictures of me and publish them,” she said. Under the pressure, she “attempted suicide, but survived thanks to my family’s intervention.”
The man continued to threaten her, telling her he would post “naked pictures of me on Facebook pages in my village, unless I sent $2,000 to Qamishli city,” in northeastern Syria, al-Abdullah said. She gave in, borrowing money from an acquaintance and transferring it to a woman’s name he provided.
Al-Abdullah was not the scammer’s only victim, as she learned upon contacting a women’s rights activist and providing his information. Other women in her area had fallen into the same trap.
The activist she contacted reached out to another activist in Qamishli to search for the person and reveal his identity. When he learned of these efforts, “he stopped communicating with me,” al-Abdullah said. Today, she is trying to pick up the pieces after an experience that “almost cost me my life and my children.”
In the survey by the Women Empowerment Office in Hass earlier this year, 78 percent of women who experienced digital violence said they contemplated suicide. Some 85 percent confronted their abuser with support or assistance from individuals or organizations, while only three percent were able to do so without assistance.
How to deal with digital violence?
With little legal or social support available, women in northwestern Syria can only take preventive measures to protect themselves. This includes learning about digital security and the risks of social media, as well as how to protect themselves from hacking, al-Araj said.
“Women should not communicate with individuals who are unknown to them or provide any personal documents, for fear they could be used to threaten them in the future,” she warned.
Those who have fallen prey to scammers or other abusers should seek help from “trusted individuals or specialized organizations,” al-Araj said, noting her office in Hass is “ready to assist victims in any way we can, and they can contact us via Facebook Messenger as a hotline.”
Iman al-Shartah, the director of the Women Empowerment Office in Hass, emphasized that civil society organizations—especially feminist organizations—have a responsibility to support and assist victims of digital violence. This can mean psychological, legal or social support, as well as “providing shelter, food and water for the most vulnerable.”
At the same time, organizations should launch “awareness and education programs about online dangers, exploitation and blackmail methods and how to prevent them,” she said, while also “pushing for the enactment of laws criminalizing these crimes and punishing abusers.”
Since 2019, the Hass office has helped 22 women facing digital violence through mental health support, legal follow-up and consultations, according to al-Shartah. The office discovered many of these cases while implementing activities focused on violence against women.
Susan Abdulrahman may not have her gold or money, but she feels relieved to have turned the page on the blackmail that nearly threatened her life. Al-Babi, however, is still afraid. “He can threaten me at any moment,” she said.
Source: syriadirect.org
https://syriadirect.org/digital-violence-stalks-women-in-northwestern-syria/
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Bangladesh allows women soldiers to wear hijab
September 23, 2024
Bangladesh’s army has allowed women soldiers to wear hijab with their official uniforms, local media reported on Monday.
“A decision was made in principle … on Sept. 3, granting approval to willing female personnel to wear the hijab with their uniform,” local news agency Bdnews24 reported, citing Adjutant General’s (AG) office.
A policy is being formulated for wearing hijab, said the AG’s office which has asked interested soldiers to submit photographs of female personnel wearing the proposed hijab with their uniform by Sept. 26 for review.
The military refused to comment on the media report in response to a request from Anadolu.
Retired army officials, however, told Anadolu that it has always been legal for female officers to wear hijab.
“After the independence in 1971, there were lady army members only in the medical corps (doctors and nurses services) and they could wear hijab if they wanted. I saw nurses do their duty with hijab,” retired Brig. Gen. ShahedulAnam Khan told Anadolu.
Bangladeshi women were allowed to join the arms and service corps of the army after Gen. Mustafizur Rahman became chief of army in 1997. Officially, Bangladeshi women joined the army in officer ranks in 2000 and in soldier ranks in 2013.
Lady officers were not discouraged from wearing hijab, so there was no “ban” or “restriction” in the army to wear hijab but due to the nature of duty, soldiers were not encouraged to wear hijab, another retired brigadier general told Anadolu, wishing not to be named.
According to the official order, to finalize the policy, women army members have been asked to describe in detail the actual sample of hijab compatible with the uniform (combat uniform, working dress, saree), the type of hijab fabric, color and measurement.
Source: dailynews.lk
https://www.dailynews.lk/2024/09/23/admin-catagories/breaking-news/636029/bangladesh-allows-women-soldiers-to-wear-hijab/
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25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars: Asha Amani, GM UAE Based INTERAFCON
September 23, 2024
The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars celebrates the exceptional achievements of women who are shaping the future of the African energy sector. Among these trailblazers is Asha Amani, General Manager at UAE-based energy services company INTERAFCON. Amani blends strategy and leadership to expedite complex energy projects, contributing to the optimal development and exploitation of energy resources for sustainable growth across the Middle East and Africa.
Could you provide a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?
I chose an Electrical Engineering background, with a specialization in Instrumentation and Control, which provided me with a strong technical foundation and has been invaluable in understanding and identifying areas for improvement and implementing innovative solutions within FMCG industrial setup, back in Kenya. Currently, I serve as General Manager at INTERAFCON. I started off as a Business Development Manager and was determined to learn as much as I could in the energy industry. I have been actively involved in spearheading various projects and collaborating with industry leaders.
I registered my company TETCO Consultancies, which now serves as the ‘Manager’ at INTERAFCON. At TETCO, I serve as a Business Development Consultant, overseeing project management, resource planning, business development strategies and leading commercial negotiation and contract reviews with clients. My biggest achievement is realizing that I have inspired and assisted female industry counterparts, knowingly and unknowingly.
The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?
The industry is very complex, especially with current energy transition conversations. The complexities arise due to institutions ignoring that every country, region and continent is unique, and one solution may/will not fit all. As a service provider and a consultant, it becomes challenging to negotiate through projects, as the other party might not be able to see the local objectives that need to be fulfilled.
The sector is also male dominated. As a woman in professional settings, I often face meetings where my abilities are unfairly questioned and my achievements are diminished through micro-expressions, microaggressions and by others taking credit for what I have achieved. Despite these challenges, I made a conscious decision to understand that de-legitimizing my contributions does not necessarily mean that I do not offer value.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?
I believe in the transformative potential women hold for the energy industry. Any young aspiring women in the sector should not be afraid to unlearn things that no longer serve her, re-learn what she might have lost and learn new things that would set her apart. I found that actively seeking opportunities to be in spaces with experts within the energy space, and forging conversations would allow me to gain immense knowledge of the industry. Be prepared to be scared, but also be prepared to do it scared. In order to find sustainable solutions within the energy space, there are very difficult conversations that are held and will need to be held. The space, being very male dominated and western-led, can prove to bring its own fair share of challenges, including intimidation from counterparts.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
As a key decision maker in three companies, a morning would include listing actions that I need to accomplish by the end of the day and running through emails to flag an important item that would need immediate action. I would then read industry articles to understand what adjustments need to be made in our strategies. The afternoon is dedicated mostly for meetings, either with my team, business partners, business friends and clients. I am also learning to take breaks, as I noticed that I had been over-compensating and my day has been all about work.
Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector? How do you envision your role in shaping that future?
Comprehensive strategies need to be implemented to tackle energy poverty in developing countries. I envision these strategies developed by locals as they are fully versed on the available means and resources for that region or country. Technology should be adopted for a just energy transition. For instance, current and planned technology advancements should ensure reductions in emissions from traditional energy sources while ensuring an accelerated rollout of renewables and affordability of energy.
I envision my role as a key contributor to the energy transition conversations by bringing local and international policy makers, energy experts, financial institutions and the community together to discuss and align on the objectives of key energy projects decisions. While doing that, I see myself talking to young women and men about the learnings I will begathering from sitting at a round-table full of experts.
Source: energychamber.org
https://energychamber.org/25-under-40-energy-women-rising-stars-asha-amani/
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Taliban Restrictions On Women Jeopardise Afghanistan's Fight Against Polio: Report
by: Nikhil Pandey
Sep 24, 2024
In a major setback to the efforts to eliminate the highly infectious polio disease in Afghanistan, the Taliban leadership has called off a nationwide vaccination campaign. The unexpected decision was taken by the Taliban government only a few days before the campaign was about to start. With 18 confirmed cases this year (three times the number reported in 2023) Afghanistan is now at risk of a resurgence of the highly contagious disease. The World Health Organization warns that unvaccinated populations of children, especially in areas with expanding polio outbreaks, could undo years of global efforts to eradicate the virus.
"The reason behind the postponing of the polio campaign is the issues with the modality of implementation," the health official explained to The Guardian on condition of anonymity. "The leadership of the current government has ordered us to not conduct door-to-door campaigns."
Instead, the Taliban government wants to shift vaccination efforts to local mosques, with the expectation that families would bring their children to get doses.
"This is very bad news for the polio programme," the official said. "For the eradication to be successful, we need to cover more than 95% of the children with two doses of the vaccine.
"But without the door-to-door campaigns, we will not be able to reach [that target]. It puts the whole country at risk, even the region."
According to The Guardian, while the Taliban have banned women from working in various sectors, women in healthcare have largely been allowed to remain in their jobs.
However, the healthcare worker said: "Women in the southern region face restrictions from local authorities in participating in the programme, particularly in the rural areas."
The health official agreed. "Women have been crucial to the success of the door-to-door campaigns and raising awareness of the vaccines among mothers and families since, in a deeply conservative society, men would not be allowed into those spaces," they said.
According to the United Nations, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two remaining polio-endemic countries in the world. In Afghanistan, despite continuous concerted efforts by the polio program to achieve polio-free status, the battle to finish the last mile has become a pivoting challenge, resulting in an increase in the number of polio cases during the last three years. Unfortunately, poliovirus is currently spreading to the provinces that have remained polio-free for a long time.
Source: ndtv.com
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/taliban-restrictions-on-women-jeopardise-afghanistans-fight-against-polio-6635480
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HEC Paris in Qatar launches new program to empower women leaders
24 Sep 2024
Doha: HEC Paris in Qatar, a world-leading business school, is set to launch the Executive Women Leaders Program in Doha this coming January.
This innovative, four-month program is specifically designed to empower women to ascend to senior leadership positions across various industries, equipping them with the skills, confidence and network essential for success in executive roles.
As part of HEC Paris in Qatar’s commitment to advancing gender equity in leadership, the Executive Women Leaders Program is a strategic initiative aimed at creating lasting, positive change within organizations and communities. The program aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030, by fostering diversity and excellence in leadership education, ensuring the women are well-prepared to drive meaningful transformation in their respective fields.
Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “This program exemplifies our dedication to fostering female leadership capable of driving impactful change within their organizations and society. The Executive Women Leaders Program is a testament to our commitment to supporting women as they develop the competencies and perspectives to lead with influence and integrity.”
The program will be led by Dr. ShaheenaJanjuha-Jivraj, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Diversity at HEC Paris in Qatar. Dr. Shaheena brings over 20 years of experience working with global organizations, along with her cutting-edge research on women’s leadership. Her work, including her latest book, “Take The Lead: How Women Leaders are Driving Success through Innovation,” challenges conventional leadership norms and showcases how women are redefining leadership in today’s world.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/24/09/2024/hec-paris-in-qatar-launches-new-program-to-empower-women-leaders
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Africa observes Pan African Women’s Day
September 24, 2024
31 July is Pan African Women’s Day and 2019 marked the 57th anniversary of the Pan-African Women’s Organization (PAWO), the Specialised Agency of the AU dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment
In his statement to commemorate the day, the AU Commission Chairperson Moussa FakiMahamat noted amongst other things the import of the day pointing out that Pan African Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and acknowledge the Foremothers of Africa who gallantly fought for the liberation and development of this continent. He also reiterated the important role of African women who continue to be the backbone of our economies as farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, scientists and leaders in many other sectors.
The Chairperson noted that one of his priorities remains the full implementation of the policy organs’ call to have gender parity in the workforce of the AU by 2025 and committee that he will continue to demand dignity and protection for all women and girls who have been forcibly displaced in Africa; remarking that it is the collective responsibility of Africans to hold themselves and their leaders accountable to deliver on the gender equality and women’s empowerment commitments.
Soource: au.int
https://au.int/en/articles/africa-observes-pan-african-womens-day
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/armies-world-hijab/d/133274